Portable Net For A Racquet Sport&#34;

ABSTRACT

A portable net system for a racquet sport. The portable net has a first stanchion and a second stanchion. The first and second stanchions are configured to mate together forming a carrying case. The portable net includes a self-retracting net that resides within the first stanchion, and which unspools from the first stanchion according to a desired width of a court. The leading edge of the net clips or otherwise fastens to the second stanchion. Thus, as the first and second stanchions are separated, the net unspools forming a net for a racquet sport. Each of the first and second stanchions additionally includes a base that provides support for the portable net in a vertical orientation.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce selected aspects of the art, which may be associated with various embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to the field of racquet sports. More specifically, the present invention relates to a net used for playing a racquet sport such as pickleball or tennis. The present invention further relates to a portable net, and a method of setting up a net for a racquet sport.

Discussion of Technology

Many physical education instructors and tennis professionals seek to introduce children to the game of tennis. While tennis is considered to be “the sport for a lifetime,” it is desirable for students to begin playing tennis at an early age. This has the benefit of providing physical activity as well as emotional or psychological health for children. In some instances, children who have an aptitude for the sport go on to play tennis in high school, college or even at the professional level.

Unfortunately, tennis can be a difficult sport to master. This is due in part to the different kinds of strokes that must be learned. More significantly, the height of the net, the size of the court, the size of the racquets, and the speed of the ball make tennis very challenging for all but the most gifted of children. For this reason, the United States Tennis Association and various members of the Tennis Industry Association developed a tennis system for children in 2008.

The system was originally called “QuickStart Tennis.” QuickStart is based on the use of shorter racquets, softer (or low compression) tennis balls, and reduced court dimensions. For the youngest of children, a smaller net is employed.

QuickStart Tennis is now referred to by some as “10 and Under Tennis.” Alternatively, some refer to it as a ROGY Tennis. This is an acronym for the progressive ball compressions denoted by “Red, Orange, Green, Yellow.”

Whatever the name, to assist in these programs small, portable nets have been developed. Generally, portable nets come in two forms. The first form uses a series of poles that are telescopically connected using three-dimensional t-connectors. Opposing ends of a net provide sleeves that slip down over vertical poles. A longitudinal bar extends between the opposing vertical poles, providing tension to the net. The classic example of the portable tennis net is the Wilson® Starter 10′ Portable Tennis Net.

The benefit to this first form of net is that it may be assembled and disassembled for ready portability or storage. These portable nets may be placed in a sleeve having a drawstring and a shoulder strap. The downside is that it takes time to break down the net and place it in the sleeve, and then remove the pieces from the sleeve later to reassemble the net.

The second form of portable net uses a heavy frame having tubular members that are connected end-to-end. Some of the members may be telescopically connected, but most pieces are joined together using bolts and nuts. The frame is carried along by wheels. A net is secured to the opposing posts. In some instances, such as the Vermont 360° Freestanding Tennis Posts system, the net strap may be tightened using a steel cable wound by a winch. Another example of the second type of portable tennis net is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,775. (Note, however, that the '775 patent never actually mentions that it is suitable for tennis as it appears to be designed for pickleball.)

The benefit to this second form of net is that it is sturdy and may be scaled for pickleball or even a full sized tennis court. The downside, of course, is the size, weight and cost of such a system. In some cases such as the net disclosed in the '775 patent, the net may require a large number of pieces. In addition, once the net is assembled it must be moved to the side of the court when the full tennis court (or other recreational space) is to be used. This creates storage problems for the club or facility.

A need, therefore, exists for a portable net for a racquet sport that combines the portability of the first net type with the sturdiness of the second net type. A need further exists for a portable net that can be quickly assembled and disassembled, and that is easy to transport from one location to another, or to store. Still further, a need exists for a portable net that may be used for so-called mini-tennis, but may be scaled up for pickleball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable net system for a racquet sport is provided. The portable net system is particularly suitable for mini-tennis or for pickleball.

In one aspect, the portable net system comprises a first stanchion and a second stanchion. The first and second stanchions are configured to mate together. When mated together and latched, the stanchions form a portable net.

The portable net system also includes a self-retracting net. The self-retracting net resides within the first stanchion, and is configured to be unspooled from the first stanchion and joined to the second stanchion.

The portable net system further comprises at least one receptacle. The at least one receptacle resides along the second stanchion. The receptacle receives a clip or other connector fastened along a leading edge of the net. Each clip is dimensioned to be removably received in a corresponding receptacle. In this way, the net may be quickly joined to or released from the second stanchion.

The portable net system additionally includes a telescoping bar. The telescoping bar has opposing first and second ends. The first end removably resides within an opening along the first stanchion, while the second end removably resides within an opening along the second stanchion.

Preferably, each of the first and second stanchions comprises a first end and a second end. The opening along the first stanchion resides at the first end of the first stanchion, while the opening along the second stanchion resides at the first end of the second stanchion. When the portable net is raised into a vertical orientation, the first end of each stanchion resides at a lower position, close to the ground.

In one embodiment, the first end of the first stanchion comprises a base for supporting the first stanchion in a vertical orientation. Similarly, the first end of the second stanchion comprises a base for supporting the second stanchion in a vertical orientation. The respective bases may comprise feet, or may represent semi-circular pads that join together to form a circular base. In this way, the portable net system will stand up on its own when the two stanchions are mated.

In a preferred embodiment, the first stanchion has a semi-circular profile forming a substantially planar inward-facing surface from which the net is pulled. The second stanchion also comprises a substantially planar inward-facing surface. The at least one receptacle resides along the inward-facing surface of the second stanchion. When the net is retracted (or spooled) back into the first stanchion, the two inward-facing surfaces come together, providing the mating relationship. In this instance, the two stanchions form a carrying case.

In one aspect, the first end of the first stanchion comprises a caster, while the first end of the second stanchion also comprises a caster. The first end of the first stanchion further comprises at least two legs for supporting the first stanchion in a vertical orientation. Similarly, the first end of the second stanchion further comprises at least two legs for supporting the second stanchion in a vertical orientation. The legs may be rotated between raised and lowered positions. In the lowered position, the legs help support the stanchions in a vertical orientation, while in a raised position the legs are moved against the stanchions for portability.

In one aspect, the portable net system further comprises a handle. The handle resides along an outward-facing surface of the first stanchion, or an outward-facing surface of the second stanchion.

The net for the portable net system may be between 20 and 40 feet in length when it is unspooled. The net may be between 24 and 36 inches in height. In one aspect, the net is sized for pickleball while in another aspect the net is sized for min-tennis.

A method of setting up a net for a racquet sport is also provided. In one aspect, the method first includes providing a portable net system. The net system is configured as described above in its various embodiments. For example, the net system may comprise:

-   -   a first stanchion and a second stanchion;     -   a self-retracting net residing within the first stanchion;     -   at least one receptacle residing along the second stanchion;     -   at least one clip residing along a leading edge of the net, with         the at least one clip being dimensioned to be removably received         in a corresponding receptacle; and     -   a telescoping bar having a first end and a second opposing end,         wherein the first end removably resides within an opening along         the first stanchion, and the second end removably resides within         an opening along the second stanchion.

The method also includes unspooling the self-retracting net from the first stanchion.

The method further comprises connecting one of the at least one clip to a corresponding receptacle in the second stanchion.

Additionally, the method includes placing each of the first stanchion and a second stanchion onto a ground surface a desired distance apart. Of course, the stanchions are positioned in a vertical orientation.

In one embodiment of the portable net system, each of the first and second stanchions comprises a first end and a second end. The opening along the first stanchion resides at the first end of the first stanchion, while the opening along the second stanchion resides at the first end of the second stanchion.

Preferably, the net comprises an upper strap, a lower strap, and a mesh field connected to and residing between the upper and lower straps. A first of the at least one clip resides along the net at a leading edge of the upper strap. At the same time, a second of the at least one clip resides along the net at a leading edge of the lower strap. In this instance, the method further comprises connecting the first of the at least one clip to a first receptacle proximate the second end of the second stanchion, and connecting the second of the at least one clip to a second receptacle proximate the first end of the second stanchion.

In one aspect, each of the first and second stanchions comprises an outward-facing surface. Each of the legs has a first end pivotally connected to a respective stanchion along an outward-facing surface of a stanchion. The first end of the first stanchion comprises at least two legs for supporting the first stanchion in a vertical orientation, while the first end of the second stanchion comprises at least two legs for supporting the second stanchion in a vertical orientation.

The net may be set up for tennis, for mini-tennis or for pickleball, depending on the dimensions of the net and how far the first and second stanchions are spaced-apart from one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of the portable net system of the present invention, in one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the second stanchion and a portion of the net of the portable net system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the lateral spacer bar of the net of the portable net system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the first stanchion and a portion of the net of the portable net system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a cut-away view of the first stanchion of FIG. 3A. Here, the self-retracting structure within the first stanchion is visible.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a pair of self-retracting mechanisms as may be used in the first stanchion.

FIG. 4A is a front, perspective view of the portable net system of FIG. 1. In this view, the net has been spooled and the first and second stanchions have been clipped together, forming a carrying case.

FIG. 4B is another front, perspective view of the portable net system of FIG. 1. Here, the first and second stanchions have been unclipped and are being pulled apart. The result is that the net is being unspooled.

FIG. 5 is a generally front, perspective view of a lower portion of the first and second stanchions of the portable net system of FIG. 1. The leading edge of the net is being unspooled towards the second stanchion. The lateral support bar is being moved into position to be secured to the second stanchion.

FIG. 6 is a side view of one of the casters of the portable net system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the second stanchion of FIG. 1. In this view, one of the support legs is being pivoted between raised and lowered positions.

FIG. 7B is another enlarged view of the second stanchion. Here, the support leg has been moved to its lowered position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS Description of Specific Embodiments

The present disclosure relates to a portable net system. The net system may be carried using a handle, with two separate stanchions forming a carrying case. When the teaching pro or player wishes to use the net, the stanchions may be separated and a net unspooled from one of the two stanchions. Support structure is provided to enable the stanchions to be placed in vertical orientation and to support the net for play.

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of the portable net system 100 of the present invention, in one embodiment. The portable net system 100 generally comprises a first stanchion 110 and a second stanchion 120. Preferably, each stanchion 110, 120 forms a generally hollow body fabricated from a polycarbonate material.

The first stanchion 110 has a first end 112, and a second end 114 opposite the first end 112. When in use as part of a net during play, the first stanchion 110 is placed in a vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 1.

The first stanchion 110 has a somewhat semi-circular profile. In this instance, there is an inward facing surface 115 that is substantially planar, and then an outwardly-facing surface 118 that is arcuate. A pair of pivoting support legs 141 (only one leg is visible) extend away from the first stanchion 110. When rotated into a lowered position, the legs 141 maintain the first stanchion 110 in its vertical orientation during play.

The second stanchion 120 also has a first end 122, and a second end 124 opposite the first end 122. When in use as part of a net during play, the second stanchion 120 is placed in a vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 1.

As with the first stanchion 110, the second stanchion 120 has a somewhat semi-circular profile. In this instance, there is an inward facing surface 125 that is substantially planar, and then an outwardly-facing surface 128 that is arcuate. A pair of pivoting support legs 142 (only one leg is visible) extend away from the second stanchion 120. When rotated into a lowered position, the legs 142 maintain the second stanchion 120 in its vertical orientation for play.

The first stanchion 110 and the second stanchion 120 are configured to mate together. This is shown in FIG. 4A, described more fully below. By mating the stanchions 110, 120 together, a carrying case for the portable net system 100 is provided.

The portable net system 100 also includes a net 130. When the first 110 and second 120 stanchions are mated together, the net 130 resides entirely within the first stanchion 110. This is accomplished by means of a self-retracting mechanism, shown at 117 in FIG. 3B and discussed more fully below. Thus, the net 130 may be considered to be a self-retracting net.

In the view of FIG. 1, the first stanchion 110 and the second stanchion 120 have been disconnected from one another and have been spaced apart. The net 130 has been unspooled, with a leading edge (shown at 136 in FIG. 2A) of the net 130 having been connected to the second stanchion 120. The net 130 remains in tension due to the rotational energy provided by the self-retracting mechanism 117, which biases the net 130 into the first stanchion 110 at all times, unless of course the self-retracting mechanism includes an intermittent locking feature.

The net 130 is connected to the self-retracting mechanism 117 at a trailing edge. The trailing edge resides within the first stanchion 110 and is not visible. The net 110 also includes a lower strap 132 and an upper strap 134. In the parlance of tennis, the upper strap 134 would be the “net tape.” Intermediate the lower 132 and upper 134 straps is a mesh material 135. The mesh material 135 may be fabricated from woven cotton or from a woven polyester or other synthetic material. The mesh material 135 is configured to interfere with the path of a ball when the ball strikes the net while allowing the players to see through the net 130.

As observed in FIG. 1, the self-retracting net 130 resides within the first stanchion 110, but is configured to be unspooled. The leading edge of the net 130 may be hooked or otherwise connected to the planar, inward surface 125 of the second stanchion 120. The net 130 may be pulled away from the first stanchion 110 before or after the leading edge 136 of the net 130 is connected to the second stanchion 120.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the second stanchion 120. The leading edge 136 of the net 130 is separated from the second stanchion 120, allowing a better view of the inward surface 125. In the view of FIG. 2A, a pair of clips 138′, 138″ are seen at the leading edge 136 of the net. Clip 138′ resides adjacent the upper strap 134, while clip 138″ resides adjacent the lower strap 132. Each clip 138′, 138″ is configured to landed into a corresponding receptacle 128′, 128″. The receptacles 128′, 128″ are formed within the inward-facing surface 125 of the second stanchion 120. Thus, the clips 138′, 138″ are dimensioned to be removably received in corresponding receptacles 128′, 128″ in the second stanchion 120.

The portable net system 100 also optionally includes a lateral spacer bar 150. FIG. 2B is a side view of the lateral spacer bar 150. The spacer bar 150 has been exploded away from the portable net system 100 of FIG. 2A. As noted above, the spacer bar 150 includes a first end 152, and a second end 154 opposite the first end 152. Each of the first end 152 and the second end 154 comprises a connector. The connectors at the first 152 and second 154 ends are configured to land into openings 158 residing along the first 110 and second 120 stanchions. Stated another way, the first end 152 removably resides within an opening 158 along the first stanchion 110, and the second end 154 removably resides within an opening 158 along the second stanchion 120.

It is noted that the opening 158 along each of the first stanchion 110 and the opening 158 along the second stanchion 120 each resides proximate the first (or lower) end 112, 122. The lateral spacer bar 150 prevents (or at least greatly inhibits) torqueing of the net 130 after set-up and during play.

The lateral spacer bar 150 preferably comprises a plurality of telescoping segments 156. The telescoping segments 156 collapse together into a central cylindrical housing 155. In this way, the telescoping bar 150 may be conveniently placed within the carrying case 400 formed by the first 110 and second 120 stanchions according to FIG. 4. Recess 129 is provided for this purposes, and is sized to receive the collapsed spacer bar 150.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the first stanchion 110 from the portable net system 100 of FIG. 1. The arcuate, outward-facing surface 118 of the first stanchion 110 is visible. Also visible is one of the support legs 141. The support leg 141 is in its raised position, having been locked into a recess residing along a side of the outward-facing surface 118. It is understood that in a preferred embodiment, each of the first 110 and second 120 stanchions will include a pair of support legs, with one support leg residing along the outward facing surface 118 or 128 on each of opposing sides of the net 130, providing for a total of four legs 141, 142.

In FIG. 3A, a portion of the net 130 is also seen. Here, the net has been unspooled from the self-retracting mechanism 117. The lower 132 and upper 134 straps are taut due to tension applied to the net 130, both during unspooling and after the leading edge 136 of the net 130 is secured to the second stanchion 120.

FIG. 3B is a cut-away view of a portion of the first stanchion 110 of FIG. 3A. Here, the self-retracting mechanism 117 within the first stanchion 110 is visible. The self-retracting mechanism 117 may be a modified version of the so-called retractable ratchet straps used for tying down loads on trucks and boats. More preferably, the self-retracting mechanism 117 is a modified version of the retracting belt barriers used with crowd-control stanchions. Numerous versions of stanchion posts having retractable belt barriers may be purchased from the Traffic Safety Warehouse. New Star Food Service of Chino, Calif. makes crowd control stanchions for the restaurant industry having self-retracting belts. Some of these stanchion posts include a locking feature.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a self-retracting mechanism 117 as may be used in the first stanchion 110. More specifically, a pair of self-retracting mechanism 117 is shown. These self-retracting mechanisms 117 are placed within the stanchion 110—one at the lower end 112 and one at the upper end 114. The lower self-retracting mechanism 117L is connected to the lower net strap 132 while the upper self-retracting mechanism 117U is connected to the upper net strap 136. Each self-retracting mechanism 117 includes opposing buttons 119 that may be pressed to cause the straps 132, 134 to be locked in place, temporarily preventing re-spooling. The straps 132, 134 may be unlocked by again applying tension to the net 130.

It is observed that the mesh field 135 of the net 130 is connected to the lower 132 and upper 134 straps, respectively. As the straps 132, 134 are unspooled, the mesh material 135 is pulled out from the first stanchion 110.

FIG. 4A is a front, perspective view of the portable net system 100 of FIG. 1. In this view, the net 130 has been spooled. This means that the net 130 has been retracted into the first stanchion 110. In fact, the net 130 has been fully retracted into the first stanchion 110 and the first 110 and second 120 stanchions have been clipped together by means of clips 160. Placing the first 110 and second 120 stanchions together in this manner produces a carrying case 400.

To further facilitate transport, a handle is optionally placed along the outward-facing surface 118 of the first stanchion 110. Alternatively or in addition, a handle is optionally placed along the outward-facing surface 128 of the second stanchion 120. In FIG. 4A, an illustrative handle 170 is shown affixed to the second stanchion 120.

FIG. 4B is another front, perspective view of the portable net system 100 of FIG. 1. Here, the first 110 and second 120 stanchions have been unclipped. In addition, the first 110 and second 120 stanchions are being pulled apart from each other. Because the net 130 is clipped or otherwise attached to the second stanchion 120 along the inner face 125, the net 130 is being unspooled while the stanchions 110, 120 are being pulled apart. Note that the legs 141, 142 are in their raised positions, facilitating portability.

FIG. 5 is a generally front, perspective view of a lower portion of the first and second stanchions of the portable net system of FIG. 1. The leading edge 136 of the net 130 is being unspooled towards the second stanchion 120. In addition, the lateral support bar 150 is being moved into position to be secured to the second stanchion 120.

In FIG. 5, Arrows u indicate an unspooling direction of movement of the leading edge 136 of the net 130. The length of the net 130 will be dependent on the nature of use for the net 130. For pickleball, the standard net is at least 21 feet, 9 inches. Rather than constructing dedicated pickleball courts, many parks, neighborhood associations and tennis facilities have applied lines for pickleball onto selected tennis courts. Those wishing to play pickleball then roll out a portable net that is stored on-site. Beneficially, the portable net system 100 of the current invention may be carried by a pickleball player in their car or van so that they do not need to rely on a pickleball net that may not be available.

For pickleball, the height of the net should be 30 inches.

These net dimensions for pickleball should be adequate for the teaching pro or physical education teacher teaching mini-tennis to children. However, for purposes of this disclosure, the net 130 may be between 20 and 40 feet in length when it is unspooled. Further, the net 130 may be between 24 and 36 inches in height.

It is noted in the various figures that at least one wheel, or caster 116 is placed at the lower ends 112, 122 of each of the stanchions 110, 120. The casters 116 facilitate the rolling movement of the stanchions 110, 120 during transport, much like casters on the bottom of a suitcase facilitate movement through an airport. FIG. 6 is a side view of one of the casters 116. In this arrangement, the caster 116 includes a locking arm 118.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the second stanchion 120 of FIG. 1. In this view, one of the support legs 142 is being pivoted between raised and lowered positions. It can be seen that the support leg 142 is connected at a proximal end to a bracket 144. For example, a bolt (not shown) may be secured within the bracket 144, allowing the support leg 142 to pivot off of the bolt.

The support leg 142 has a distal end 146. The distal end 146 preferably includes a rubber cap to protect the court surface or gym floor. In a raised position (such as shown in FIG. 4a ) the distal end 146 of the leg 142 pivots up into a recess along the outward-facing surface 128 of the second stanchion 120. This is a raised, or transport position.

FIG. 7B is another enlarged view of the second stanchion 120. Here, the support leg 142 has been moved to its lowered position. In a lowered position (such as shown in FIG. 1) the distal end 146 of the leg 142 pivots down and contacts a ground surface. This is a lowered, or playing position.

In an alternate embodiment, the lower end 112, 122 of the first 110 and second 120 stanchions does not use casters 116 and legs 141, 142, but instead uses a flared base. The flared bases keep the stanchions 110, 120 in a vertical orientation. Preferably, each base has a semi-circular profile. When the stanchions 110, 120 are connected together, the two semi-circular bases meet to form a circular base that holds the carrying case 400 upright.

Based on the discussion provided in connection with FIGS. 1 through 7B, it can be seen that a method of setting up a net for a racquet sport is also provided herein. In one aspect, the method first includes providing a portable net system 100. The net system is configured as described above in its various embodiments. For example, the net system 100 may comprise:

-   -   a first stanchion 110 and a second stanchion 120;     -   a net 130 residing within or otherwise attached to the first         stanchion 110;     -   at least one receptacle 128 residing along the second stanchion         120; and     -   at least one clip 138 residing along a leading edge 136 of the         net 130, with the at least one clip 138 being dimensioned to be         removably received in a corresponding receptacle 128.

The net system 100 may optionally further comprise:

-   -   a telescoping bar 150 having a first end 152 and a second         opposing end 154, wherein the first end 152 removably resides         within an opening 158 along a lower end 112 of the first         stanchion 110, and the second end 154 removably resides within         an opening 158 along a lower end 122 of the second stanchion         120.

In the method, the net 130 is a self-retracting net. This means that the net 130 is biased to be spooled into the first stanchion 110. The method also includes unspooling the net 130 from the first stanchion 110.

Preferably, the net 130 comprises an upper strap 134, a lower strap 132, and a mesh field 135 connected to and residing between the upper 134 and lower 132 straps. Preferably, separate self-retracting mechanisms 117U, 117L are provided within the body 118 of the first stanchion 110.

A first of the at least one clip 138′ resides along the net 130 at a leading edge 136 of the upper strap 134. At the same time, a second of the at least one clip 138″ resides along the net 130 at a leading edge of the lower strap 132. In this instance, the method further comprises connecting the first of the at least one clip to a first receptacle proximate the second end of the second stanchion, and connecting the second of the at least one clip to a second receptacle proximate the first end of the second stanchion.

Additionally, the method includes placing each of the first stanchion 110 and the second stanchion 120 onto a ground surface a desired distance apart.

In one embodiment of the portable net system 100, each of the first 110 and second 120 stanchions comprises a first (or lower) end 112, 122 and a second (or upper) end 114, 124. The opening 158 along the first stanchion 110 resides at the first end 112 of the first stanchion 110, while the opening 158 along the second stanchion 120 resides at the first end 122 of the second stanchion 120.

In one aspect, each of the first 110 and second 120 stanchions comprises an outward-facing surface 118, 128. Each of the legs 141, 142 has a first end pivotally connected to a respective stanchion along an outward-facing surface of a stanchion. The first end 112 of the first stanchion 110 comprises at least two legs 141 for supporting the first stanchion 110 in a vertical orientation, while the first end 122 of the second stanchion 120 comprises at least two legs 142 for supporting the second stanchion 120 in a vertical orientation.

The net 130 may be set up for tennis, for mini-tennis or for pickleball, depending on the dimensions of the net and how far the first 110 and second 120 stanchions are spaced-apart from one another.

Further, variations of the portable net system 100 may fall within the spirit of the claims, below. It will be appreciated that the inventions are susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the spirit thereof. 

We claim:
 1. A portable net system for a racquet sport, comprising: a first stanchion; a self-retracting net residing within the first stanchion, the self-retracting net being configured to be unspooled from the first stanchion, thereby moving the net from a spooled to an unspooled position; a second stanchion, wherein the first and second stanchions are configured to mate together when the net is in its spooled position; at least one receptacle residing along the second stanchion; and at least one clip residing along a leading edge of the net, with the at least one clip being dimensioned to be removably received in a corresponding receptacle in the second stanchion.
 2. The portable net system of claim 1, wherein: the net comprises an upper strap along an upper end of the net; and each of the first and second stanchions comprises a first end and a second end.
 3. The portable net system of claim 2, wherein: the first end of the first stanchion comprises a base for supporting the first stanchion in a vertical orientation; and the first end of the second stanchion comprises a base for supporting the second stanchion, in a vertical orientation.
 4. The portable net system of claim 3, wherein: the first stanchion has a semi-circular profile forming a substantially planar inward-facing surface from which the net is pulled; the second stanchion also comprises a substantially planar inward-facing surface; and the at least one receptacle residing along the second stanchion resides along the inward-facing surface of the second stanchion.
 5. The portable net system of claim 4, wherein: the first end of the first stanchion comprises at least one caster; and the first end of the second stanchion also comprises at least one caster;
 6. The portable net system of claim 4, wherein: each of the first and second stanchion comprises an outward-facing surface; the base at the first end of each of the first and second stanchions comprises at least two legs for supporting the respective stanchions in a vertical orientation; each of the legs has a proximal end pivotally connected to a respective stanchion along an outward-facing surface of a stanchion, and a distal end, wherein each of the legs is configured to pivot between a raised position wherein the distal end is adjacent to the outer surface of its stanchion, and a lowered position wherein the distal end rests on the ground and supports the stanchion in its vertical orientation.
 6. The portable net system of claim 4, wherein: each of the first and second stanchion comprises an outward-facing surface; and the base at the first end of each of the first and second stanchions comprises a semi-circular body that flares out from the outward-facing surface of the stanchion.
 8. The portable net system of claim 4, further comprising: a handle residing along the outward-facing surface of the first stanchion, the outward-facing surface of the second stanchion, or both.
 9. The portable net system of claim 2, wherein: the net is between 20 and 40 feet in length when it is unspooled; and the net is between 24 and 36 inches in height.
 10. The portable net system of claim 9, wherein the net is sized for pickleball when it is unspooled.
 11. The portable net system of claim 9, wherein: the net further comprises a lower strap; the self-retracting mechanism comprises an upper self-retracting mechanism residing within the first stanchion at the level of the upper strap, and a lower self-retracting mechanism residing within the first stanchion at the level of the lower strap.
 12. The portable net system of claim 11, wherein: a first of the at least one clip resides along the net at a leading edge of the upper strap; a second of the at least one clip resides along the net at a leading edge of the lower strap; and the net further comprises a mesh field connected to and residing between the lower and upper straps.
 13. The portable net system of claim 8, further comprising: a telescoping bar having a first end and a second opposing end, wherein the first end removably resides within an opening along the first stanchion, and the second end removably resides within an opening along the second stanchion; the opening along the first stanchion resides at the first end of the first stanchion; and the opening along the second stanchion resides at the first end of the second stanchion.
 14. A method of setting up a net for a racquet sport, comprising: providing a portable net system, comprising: a first stanchion and a second stanchion; a self-retracting net residing within the first stanchion; at least one receptacle residing along the second stanchion; and at least one clip residing along a leading edge of the net; unspooling the self-retracting net from the first stanchion; connecting one of the at least one clip to a corresponding receptacle in the second stanchion; and placing each of the first stanchion and a second stanchion onto a ground surface a desired distance apart, in a vertical orientation.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein: the net comprises an upper strap along an upper end of the net, and a mesh field connected to and residing between the upper strap; the self-retracting net is configured to be unspooled from the first stanchion, thereby moving the net from a spooled to an unspooled position; and each of the first and second stanchions comprises a first end and a second end.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein: the first end of the first stanchion comprises a base for supporting the first stanchion in a vertical orientation; and the first end of the second stanchion comprises a base for supporting the second stanchion, in a vertical orientation.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein: each of the first and second stanchion comprises an outward-facing surface; the base at the first end of each of the first and second stanchions comprises at least two legs for supporting the respective stanchions in a vertical orientation; and the method further comprises pivoting each of the legs from a raised position to a lowered position, wherein in the lowered position a distal end of each of the legs rests on a ground surface to support the respective stanchions in their vertical orientations.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the base at the first end of each of the first and second stanchions comprises a semi-circular body that flares out from the outward-facing surface of the stanchion; and the portable net system further comprises a handle residing along the outward-facing surface of the first stanchion, the outward-facing surface of the second stanchion, or both.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein: the net further comprises a lower strap; a first of the at least one clip resides along the net at a leading edge of the upper strap; a second of the at least one clip resides along the net at a leading edge of the lower strap; and the method further comprises: connecting the first of the at least one clip to a first receptacle proximate the second end of the second stanchion; and connecting the second of the at least one clip to a second receptacle proximate the first end of the second stanchion.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein: each of the first and second stanchions comprises an outward-facing surface; each of the legs has a first end pivotally connected to a respective stanchion along an outward-facing surface of a stanchion. the first end of the first stanchion comprises at least two legs for supporting the first stanchion in a vertical orientation; and the first end of the second stanchion comprises at least two legs for supporting the second stanchion in a vertical orientation.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein: the portable net system further comprises a telescoping bar having a first end and a second opposing end, wherein the first end removably resides within an opening along the first stanchion, and the second end removably resides within an opening along the second stanchion; the opening along the first stanchion resides at the first end of the first stanchion; and the opening along the second stanchion resides at the first end of the second stanchion.
 22. The method of claim 14, wherein: the net is between 20 and 40 feet in length when it is unspooled; and the net is between 24 and 36 inches in height.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the net is sized for pickleball when it is unspooled. 